There has never been a sunnier time for the solar industry. In fact, it’s had an annual growth rate of 42% for the last decade! If there was ever a time to take advantage of the benefits of solar panels, it’s now.
Because solar panels provide natural energy, they don’t work the same everywhere. If you live in a less sunny climate, you’re probably wondering: “Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?”
Here’s the good news: cloudy days don’t have to stop you from getting green, affordable energy. Keep reading to learn how solar panels function in cloudy climates and how you can take advantage of them.
How Well Do Solar Panels Work in Cloudy Weather?
Even in overcast weather, some of the sun’s rays still reach your solar panels. This means they can still generate energy even without full sunlight.
Of course, solar panels need full sunlight to be most effective. Cloudy weather keeps them from generating their maximum amount of energy. In heavily cloudy weather, they might only generate 25% of their full energy capacity.
Fortunately, you can overcome these problems by planning ahead. If you live in a climate that is frequently cloudy, you can still make solar panels work for you.
Get the Right Number of Panels
If you’re expecting a lot of cloudy weather, you can simply install more solar panels. This means that you’ll have more power during cloudy days.
How many more solar panels will you need? That depends on how overcast your climate is. The more cloudy weather you expect, the more solar panels you will want to have.
Work with your local solar installers to determine how many panels you’ll need.
Consider a Solar Panel Battery
How do solar panels work without the sun? Do solar panels work at night?
Well, if there is no sunlight at all, solar panels can’t absorb energy. If you want to make sure you have access to solar power at any time of the day or night, invest in a solar panel battery.
Solar panels only generate energy when the sun is shining, but we use the most energy after dark to light our homes. Solar panel batteries store energy until it’s needed.
If you live in a cloudy city, a solar battery can store energy from sunny days. Then, you can use it whenever you need it. That way, you won’t rely on the weather for consistent energy.
So, Do Solar Panels Work in Cloudy Weather?
It’s always sunny in Philadelphia, but it might not be where you live. The big question: do solar panels work in cloudy weather? The answer: yes and no.
Overcast conditions may keep them from giving you all the energy you want. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy solar panels and all their benefits. With these tips, you’ll be able to get the benefits of solar panels in every kind of weather.
Looking for more smart lifestyle changes? Keep reading our blog. You’ll find articles to help you save money, stay green, and live better!